Dried Fish Processing Facility (Daingan): An Initiative to Sustain Livelihoods in Cabulihan

Project Location: Cabulihan, Culion, Palawan

Prepared by: WE Foundation

Date: November 9, 2024

Project Summary

In response to a request from women of Sitio Cabulihan, this proposal outlines a plan to establish a dried fish processing facility (“daingan”) to create sustainable livelihoods. This initiative will supplement incomes for 40 participating families and bring significant economic benefits to the community. Through the support of the Church network, products will be sold in Manila and other areas, ensuring a viable market for the processed fish.

With a generous 3.5-hectare donation from one of our benefactors, we have secured the necessary space for production and drying facilities. Pondo ng Pinoy, the social assistance program of the Archdiocese of Manila, has agreed to support the distribution and marketing of the dried fish products in Manila and other areas, ensuring a stable demand and broader market reach.

To bring this livelihood initiative to life, we need your support to construct the processing facility—critical infrastructure to launch the project. Investing in this initial phase will not only help create 60 new jobs but will also lay the foundation for long-term economic stability for Sitio Cabulihan. This facility will empower the community by creating local job opportunities, promoting economic stability, and stimulating the local fishing industry. As fishing is the primary livelihood in Cabulihan, a dried fish facility will create value in the local economy by enhancing demand and providing a steady market for locally caught fish. Together, we can transform this vision into a sustainable livelihood program that empowers local families and strengthens the community for generations to come.

Project Objectives

1.    Provide sustainable employment: Direct jobs for 40 women in Sitio Cabulihan, supplemented by 20 indirect jobs, for a total of 60 employment opportunities, helping to uplift the community with a reliable income source.

2.    Support the local fishing industry: As fishing is the main livelihood in Cabulihan, this facility will create additional demand for local fishers, fostering economic growth in the fishing sector. It will develop a market for local fish to strengthen the local fishing industry, with products distributed to Manila through the Church network.

3.    Enhance community resilience: Empower families in Sitio Cabulihan with a reliable income source, reducing economic vulnerability and improving quality of life.

Project Infrastructure Requirements

The dried fish facility will require the construction of a large processing facility (daingan) and four (4) supporting facilities, with each facility designed to support efficient operations and the well-being of employees. The proposed plan for the structures is attached at the end of this proposal.

1.    Building 1: Processing Facility (Main Facility) - Daingan

• Size: 25m x 6m

• Structure: Concrete flooring, iron roofing, hollow block walls up to 1m and sawali walls up to the ceiling

• Features: Open floor plan with screened windows, 4 ceiling fans

• Capacity: Accommodates 40 workers

The main processing facility is designed with an iron roof and cement flooring to ensure durability and resilience during typhoon season, providing a stable foundation that can withstand the region’s challenging weather conditions. The lower section of the walls, built with hollow blocks up to 1 meter, serves as a protective barrier to prevent entry by stray animals, which can easily breach sawali (woven bamboo) walls. Above this, sawali will be used for the remaining wall height up to the ceiling, providing ventilation and airflow in combination with screened windows and ceiling fans. This structure balances durability with essential ventilation, ensuring a safe and comfortable workspace for the workers.

2.    Building 2: Staff House (6m x 3m)

The staff house will serve as on-site housing for a couple who will live at the facility, providing overnight security to discourage intruders and prevent vandalism. Having dedicated residents on the premises will ensure consistent monitoring and help maintain the safety and integrity of the facility, especially during non-operational hours.

3.    Building 3: Kitchen/Lunchroom (6m x 3m)

The facility will include a dedicated lunchroom and kitchen area, providing workers with a comfortable space to take breaks and enjoy their meals. This designated area supports the well-being of our staff, ensuring they have a clean, safe, and relaxing environment to recharge during the workday.

4.    Building 4: Storage/Stock Room (6m x 3m)

The stock room will serve as secure storage for supplies, keeping all necessary materials organized and readily accessible. Located separately from the main facility, this arrangement will enhance the efficiency of processing by keeping storage areas distinct from active workspaces, ensuring a smoother workflow and minimizing clutter in the main processing area.

5.    Building 5: Restrooms (6m x 3m)

The facility will include a designated restroom area with four separate cubicles for workers, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all. By keeping the restrooms in a separate space, we maintain a clean and organized processing area, supporting hygiene and comfort for the entire team throughout the workday.

Project Equipment Requirements

Expected Equipment Needed

(Based on materials commonly used in fish-drying facilities)

Project Budget Summary

Demographics and Economic Impact

Barangay Malaking Patag, where Sitio Cabulihan is located, has a population of approximately 1,800 people, accounting for about 7% of Culion’s total population. This barangay has a young demographic, with a median age of 22 years and 35% of its population under 15 years of age. Additionally, 61% of residents are of working age (15-64), indicating a strong potential workforce for the livelihood program.

With fishing as the primary livelihood, this project will provide much-needed economic support by creating 40 direct jobs for the participating women and at least 18 indirect jobs, totaling 55 employment opportunities. Local fishers will have a consistent market, strengthening the local fishing economy. This will bolster incomes and reduce economic vulnerability in a community where job options are limited and largely based on seasonal or subsistence fishing​

Expected Project Benefits

• Job Creation: Direct employment for 40 women and 20 indirect jobs, providing income and skill development for Cabulihan families.

• Economic Support for Fishing: Increased demand for locally caught fish, stimulating the local fishing economy.

• Long-term Economic Stability: Sustainable income for families, reducing dependency and strengthening community resilience.

Partnership and Support

The project has secured critical foundational support, including a 3.5-hectare land donation for facility use, a stable supply of fish from local fishermen in Sitio Cabulihan, and distribution support through Pondo ng Pinoy, the social assistance program of the Archdiocese of Manila. However, the construction of the main processing facility (daingan) and the 4 supporting facilities are a pivotal step, requiring significant financial investment. Without the facilities, we cannot realize the full potential of this project. While we are exploring additional funding options to cover the cost of equipment and materials, we need significant funding to finance the construction phase of the daingan. This initial investment will enable the program to generate employment for 60 people, empowering Cabulihan families with a dependable income and fostering long-term economic resilience for the community.

The economic impact of this project will be transformative for Sitio Cabulihan, a community with a young and growing population and a strong base of working-age residents eager for stable employment opportunities. By tapping into Cabulihan’s fishing resources, the project will not only support household incomes but will also strengthen the local fishing industry, creating a ripple effect of economic stability and opportunity that will benefit the entire community over the long term.

Conclusion

With this project, we have an extraordinary opportunity to uplift Sitio Cabulihan, turning local resources and community determination into sustainable livelihoods for families who need it most. By supporting the construction of the facilities, your organization can be instrumental in creating long-term economic resilience for Cabulihan, setting a new standard for community-driven success. Together, we can transform Sitio Cabulihan into a beacon of opportunity and stability for generations to come. We respectfully request your support to help bring this project to life and make a meaningful difference in Cabulihan.